Reviews
"No need to stock up on boxes of tissue paper, be ready for a lesson on bee keeping, expect a small romantic story which was not so romantic after all and finally dome that investigators hat before you embark on this journey with nicholas Sparks". Unlike other books by Nicholas Sparks, the Return is quite different from what one would expect. While this book fails on a teary eyed love story front, the mystery part helps keep one hooked on. The characters of Trevor Benson and Callie though quite likeble, could be have been more evolved. On the other hand, the character of Natalie and her secret totally failed to shock me. But on the positive side, the lesson on bees and bee keeping was interesting, the hint of mystery does make one want to finished this book. Other than that The Return is not Nicholas Sparks fine working, I bet I have read better one's in the past.
Liked it for the suspense that teenage girl arc provided, but a tad bit disappointed how Sparks tied the ending
TERRIBLE
** spoiler alert ** It’s a really good book, but somehow there was something missing for me. Maybe I wanted there to be more about Callie in the book and everything she went through after running away. Also I didn’t really vibe with Trevor and Natalie’s relationship and the fact that he told her he loved her after the third time seeing her w/o even talking to her that much. Don’t know why but I even wrote down as a note “creepy” when I read that 😂 anyway, the book was still enjoyable.
If you’ve read one Nicholas sparks book you’ve read them all. Not bad but like another military man in North Carolina meets a troubled girl from a small town
3.75 ⭐
I think The Return had potential, the plot seemed interesting and the overall premise was enough to catch my eye but it really just fell a bit flat. There was far too much internal monologue and unnecessary information, it tended to drone on a bit and there were points where I ended up skipping ahead a bit. I think if grandpa Carl's riddle had been more of a mystery, who-dun-it trope, if Trevor and Natalie's relationship had been just a bit more scandalous and Callie's rebellion a tad more captivating this would've been a really good read. I think this was just okay, nothing great, easy reading small town fluff - and to be honest that was what I was looking for. Just wish it had a bit more omph!!
I would give this one 3.5/5 stars. Not the best Nicholas Sparks book I’ve read. The beginning of the book is very easy to read, but towards the middle it starts to drag, then picks back up again towards the end. Expected a bit more romance out of this one but the book was 50% romance, 50% mystery. Would recommend to someone that wants an easy read!
nicky you’ve done it again. i will admit the middle of this book is kind of bland but it’s fine because the end makes up for it. exactly what i needed thank you
Usually a fan of Sparks books because of his character building and tear-jerking storylines, but this was not that. At all. Not only did I not get "attached" to any of the characters, but I also found the love story to not be believeable. Which, I mean, what is a Nicholas Sparks novel without an epic love story?
